Tastings: Solidarity in Wine
In recent springtimes, local wineries have taken to creating ‘wines for a good cause’, with the premise being quite simple: buy the wine and the proceeds go to charity. I have had the chance to taste many of these wines and, not only are they for a good cause, but they are also worth your euros.
MASROIG VI SOLIDARI 2013
This is produced in the cellars of El Masroig in DO Montsant. They are labelled with various illustrations by children from 21 different schools and this year the funds raised go to support treatment of childhood cancer. Whilst it isn’t clear which specific cellar has produced the wine, the general blend is comprised of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah, which are all excellent grapes from the region. This particular bottle held rich red fruits as well as a touch of currant and dark prune. Overall medium acidity, medium body. New vintage available starting at the end of May. €12
MICROSCOPI 2014
This wine was started by enologist and cellar owner Irene Alemany in DO Penedès to fund the purchase of a specific microscope at her local hospital. The first vintage worked so well that she decided to continue making the wine, with the proceeds going to breast cancer research. This vintage holds bell pepper and roasted vegetable notes along with dark fruits. Smooth and even in the mouth with a medium plus body and medium acidity, alongside pepper notes that drift in to the finish. Now available. €9
Miquel Hudin is a sommelier originally from California but now based in Barcelona. He founded the Vinologue series of wine books www.vinologue.com